Tim Lincecum rules the postseason with an iron fist. He has done it from the bullpen in the 2012 playoffs. Can he return to form as a starter in Game 4?

Photo: Ezra Shaw, Getty Images

Tim Lincecum rules the postseason with an iron fist. He has done it...

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Matt Cain wipes his face after giving up a two-run homerun in the third inning. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Matt Cain wipes his face after giving up a two-run homerun in the...

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Giants' infielders, Pablo Sandoval, Marco Scutaro and Brandon Crawford gather during a pitching change in the bottom of the eighth inning, as the San Francisco Giants went on to lose to the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 in game three, of the National League Championship Series, on Wednesday Oct. 17, 2012, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Giants' infielders, Pablo Sandoval, Marco Scutaro and Brandon...

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Matt Carpenter watches the flight of his two-run homerun in the third inning. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Matt Carpenter watches the flight of his two-run homerun in the...

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Giants pitcher Matt Cain waits on the mound as Manager Bruce Bochy approaches to relieve him after the Cardinals scored a run in the seventh. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Giants pitcher Matt Cain waits on the mound as Manager Bruce Bochy...

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Brandon Belt talks to homeplate umpire Bill Miller about a strike call after Belt struck out looking in the seventh. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Brandon Belt talks to homeplate umpire Bill Miller about a strike...

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Cardinals' Matt Carpenter, (left) rounds the bases as Giants' starting pitcher Matt Cain gives up a two run home run in the third inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the St. Louis Cardinals in game three, of the National League Championship Series which is tied at 1-1, on Wednesday Oct. 17, 2012. at Busch Stadium , in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Cardinals' Matt Carpenter, (left) rounds the bases as Giants'...

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GIants' Brandon Belt argues a called strike three to end the seventh inning with two runners on, with home plate umpire Bill Miller, as the San Francisco Giants take on the St. Louis Cardinals in game three, of the National League Championship Series which is tied at 1-1, on Wednesday Oct. 17, 2012. at Busch Stadium , in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

GIants' Brandon Belt argues a called strike three to end the...

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Giants' starting pitcher, Matt Cain is taken out of the game in the seventh inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the St. Louis Cardinals in game three, of the National League Championship Series which is tied at 1-1, on Wednesday Oct. 17, 2012. at Busch Stadium , in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Giants' starting pitcher, Matt Cain is taken out of the game in the...

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Giants' Hunter Pence grounds out to end the third innning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the St. Louis Cardinals in game three, of the National League Championship Series which is tied at 1-1, on Wednesday Oct. 17, 2012. at Busch Stadium , in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Giants' Hunter Pence grounds out to end the third innning, as the...

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Angel Pagan's helmet almost comes off as he swings through strike three in the top of the first inning. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Angel Pagan's helmet almost comes off as he swings through strike...

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Busch Stadium personnel rolled out the tarps in the bottom of the seventh inning as the game was delayed by rain. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Busch Stadium personnel rolled out the tarps in the bottom of the...

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Two St. Louis police officers wait out the rain under the shelter of the overhang as the game is delayed by a passing storm. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Two St. Louis police officers wait out the rain under the shelter...

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The Cardinals championship banners wave in the wind-driven rain as the game is delayed due to the heavy storm passing through the area. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

The Cardinals championship banners wave in the wind-driven rain as...

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Giants' Hunter Pence wathces from the dugout as his team bats in the fourth inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the St. Louis Cardinals in game three, of the National League Championship Series which is tied at 1-1, on Wednesday Oct. 17, 2012. at Busch Stadium , in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Giants' Hunter Pence wathces from the dugout as his team bats in...

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Giants' starting pitcher, Matt Cain, as the San Francisco Giants take on the St. Louis Cardinals in game three, of the National League Championship Series which is tied at 1-1, on Wednesday Oct. 17, 2012. at Busch Stadium , in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Giants' starting pitcher, Matt Cain, as the San Francisco Giants...

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Brandon Belt is safe at second after Gregor Blanco grounded out to first base in the second inning. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Brandon Belt is safe at second after Gregor Blanco grounded out to...

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Carlos Beltran reacts to hitting into a double play in the top of the first inning. Beltran left the game shortly thereafter. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Carlos Beltran reacts to hitting into a double play in the top of...

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Matt Cain checks the runner after hitting Jon Jay with a pitch in the first inning. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Matt Cain checks the runner after hitting Jon Jay with a pitch in...

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Brandon Crawford completes the throw to first as Jon Jay slides past on a double play that Carlos Beltran hit into in the first inning. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Brandon Crawford completes the throw to first as Jon Jay slides...

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Jason Motte, left, and Matt Holliday, right, celebrate after winning the game against the Giants 3-1. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Jason Motte, left, and Matt Holliday, right, celebrate after...

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Matt Holliday rolls on the ground in pain after fouling a ball off his shin in the eighth inning. Buster Posey watches. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Matt Holliday rolls on the ground in pain after fouling a ball off...

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A young Cardinals fan watches in the final inning at Busch Stadium as the Cardinals beat the Giants 3-1. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

A young Cardinals fan watches in the final inning at Busch Stadium...

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David Freese congratulates Yadier Molina after Molina caught a foul ball hit by Aubrey Huff for the final out in the eighth inning. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

David Freese congratulates Yadier Molina after Molina caught a foul...

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Jose Mijares started the eighth for the Giants and got two outs before walking Adron Chambers. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Jose Mijares started the eighth for the Giants and got two outs...

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Outfielders, Gregor Blanco, left, Angel Pagan, center, and Hunter Pence, right, talk in centerfield during a pitching change after a rain delay that left most of the stands empty when play resumed. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Outfielders, Gregor Blanco, left, Angel Pagan, center, and Hunter...

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Matt Carpenter is congratulated by Matt Holliday, left, after Carpenter hit a two-run homerun in the third inning. Jon Jay, right, was on base at the time and scored on the homerun. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Matt Carpenter is congratulated by Matt Holliday, left, after...

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GIants' Brandon Belt argues a called strike three to end the seventh inning with two runners on, with home plate umpire Bill Miller, as the San Francisco Giants take on the St. Louis Cardinals in game three, of the National League Championship Series which is tied at 1-1, on Wednesday Oct. 17, 2012. at Busch Stadium , in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

GIants' Brandon Belt argues a called strike three to end the...

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Jason Motte, right, and Yadier Molina, left, celebrate after winning the game against the Giants 3-1. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Jason Motte, right, and Yadier Molina, left, celebrate after...

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Giants' Marco Scutaro is out at second base by Cardinals' Pete Kozma as teammate Pablo Sandoval hit into a double play and is out at first in the fifth innning, the San Francisco Giants take on the St. Louis Cardinals in game three, of the National League Championship Series which is tied at 1-1, on Wednesday Oct. 17, 2012. at Busch Stadium , in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Giants' Marco Scutaro is out at second base by Cardinals' Pete...

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Giants Manager Bruce Bochy relieves Matt Cain in the seventh inning, moments before the game was officially delayed due to rain. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Giants Manager Bruce Bochy relieves Matt Cain in the seventh...

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David Freese returns to the dugout after scoring in the seventh inning. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

David Freese returns to the dugout after scoring in the seventh...

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David Freese claps after reaching second safely on a lead off double in the seventh inning. Freese would later score in the inning. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

David Freese claps after reaching second safely on a lead off...

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Kyle Lohse high fives teammates after being relieved in the sixth inning. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Kyle Lohse high fives teammates after being relieved in the sixth...

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Kyle Lohse waits to be relieved in the sixth inning after giving up a hit to Matt Cain. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Kyle Lohse waits to be relieved in the sixth inning after giving up...

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Angel Pagan reacts after grounding out with two men on base in the sixth inning. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Angel Pagan reacts after grounding out with two men on base in the...

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Kyle Lohse pitches in the sixth inning as fans wave their rally towels. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Kyle Lohse pitches in the sixth inning as fans wave their rally...

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Ryan Theriot, center, watches as his former teammates on the Cardinals, are introduced at the beginning of the game. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Ryan Theriot, center, watches as his former teammates on the...

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Carlos Beltran is introduced at the beginning of the game. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Carlos Beltran is introduced at the beginning of the game. The San...

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The Cardinals celebrate after defeating the Giants 3-1. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

The Cardinals celebrate after defeating the Giants 3-1. The San...

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Jason Motte, right, and Yadier Molina, left, celebrate after winning the game against the Giants 3-1. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Jason Motte, right, and Yadier Molina, left, celebrate after...

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Cardinals pitcher, Jason Motte takes the feed from first baseman Matt Chambers on a Marco Scutaro grounder for the second out of the ninth inning. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Cardinals pitcher, Jason Motte takes the feed from first baseman...

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Javier Lopez prepares to pitch in the bottom of the seventh after a lengthy rain delay. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Javier Lopez prepares to pitch in the bottom of the seventh after...

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Angel Pagan singled to start off the third inning, and would later score on a Pablo Sandoval ground out. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Angel Pagan singled to start off the third inning, and would later...

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ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Jose Mijares #50 of the San Francisco Giants pitches in the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 17, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat, Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Jose Mijares #50 of the San Francisco...

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ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Yadier Molina #4 of the St. Louis Cardinals waits on deck in the eighth inning while taking on the San Francisco Giants in Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 17, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat, Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Yadier Molina #4 of the St. Louis...

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ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: A few fans sit in their seat during a rain delay in the seventh inning in Game Three of the National League Championship Series between the Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants at Busch Stadium on October 17, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: A few fans sit in their seat during a...

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ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Members of the grounds crew remove the tarp on the field after a lengthy rain delay that started in the bottom of the seventh inning between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants in Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 17, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Members of the grounds crew remove the...

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ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: St. Louis Cardinals fans hold up a sign as the Cardinals take on the San Francisco Giants in Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 17, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: St. Louis Cardinals fans hold up a sign...

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ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Matt Cain #18 talks with catcher Buster Posey #28 of the San Francisco Giants in the seventh inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 17, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Photo: Elsa, Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Matt Cain #18 talks with catcher Buster...

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ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Hunter Pence #8 of the San Francisco Giants catches a ball in right field hit by Allen Craig #21 of the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth inning in Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 17, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Hunter Pence #8 of the San Francisco...

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ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Pete Kozma #38 of the St. Louis Cardinals turns a double play as Marco Scutaro #19 of the San Francisco Giants is out at second base in the fifth inning in Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 17, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Pete Kozma #38 of the St. Louis...

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ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Gregor Blanco #7 of the San Francisco Giants breaks his bat while at bat in the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 17, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Photo: Elsa, Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Gregor Blanco #7 of the San Francisco...

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ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Angel Pagan #16 of the San Francisco Giants is congratulated by Hunter Pence #8 in front of the dugout after scoring on a fielder's choice hit by Pablo Sandoval #48 of the San Francisco Giants in the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 17, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Angel Pagan #16 of the San Francisco...

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ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Catcher Buster Posey #28 and pitcher Matt Cain #18 of the San Francisco Giants talk on the mound in the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 17, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Catcher Buster Posey #28 and pitcher...

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Cardinals fans wait out the rain after the game was delayed by a storm on Wednesday. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Cardinals fans wait out the rain after the game was delayed by a...

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Cardinals fans move out of the rain as the game was delayed by a storm that was passing through the area. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Cardinals fans move out of the rain as the game was delayed by a...

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Angel Pagan bats in the sixth inning as the Cardinals fans wave their towels. The San Francisco Giants played the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Angel Pagan bats in the sixth inning as the Cardinals fans wave...

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Giants' Hunter Pence walks to the clubhouse after San Francisco lost to the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 in game three of the National League Championship Series, on Wednesday Oct. 17, 2012, at Busch Stadium, in St. Louis, Mo.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Giants' Hunter Pence walks to the clubhouse after San Francisco...

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Fans celebrate after Cardinals' Matt Carpenter (foreground) hit a two-run home run in the third inning against the San Francisco Giants in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, Wednesday, October 17, 2012. (Chris Lee/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT)

Photo: Chris Lee, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Fans celebrate after Cardinals' Matt Carpenter (foreground) hit a...

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San Francisco right fielder Hunter Pence catches a fly out in foul territory hit by the St. Louis Cardinals' Allen Craig in the fourth inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, Wednesday, October 17, 2012. (Chris Lee/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT)

Photo: Chris Lee, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

San Francisco right fielder Hunter Pence catches a fly out in foul...

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St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Carpenter (13) celebrates his two-run home run as he walks back to the dugout during the third inning of Game 3 of baseball's National League championship series against the San Francisco Giants, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Photo: Patrick Semansky, Associated Press

St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Carpenter (13) celebrates his two-run...

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St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Holliday (7) goes down after fouling the ball off of his leg during the eighth inning of Game 3 of baseball's National League championship series against the San Francisco Giants, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Photo: David J. Phillip, Associated Press

St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Holliday (7) goes down after fouling the...

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San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford (35) throws to first base for a double play as St. Louis Cardinals' Jon Jay (19) slides to second and Carlos Beltran at first are out during the second inning of Game 3 of baseball's National League championship series Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Photo: Patrick Semansky, Associated Press

San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford (35) throws to...

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San Francisco Giants' Matt Cain (18) bunts the ball to advance Brandon Crawford to second base during the fourth inning of Game 3 of baseball's National League championship series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Photo: David J. Phillip, Associated Press

San Francisco Giants' Matt Cain (18) bunts the ball to advance...

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St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Jason Motte (30) forces out San Francisco Giants' Marco Scutaro (19) at first base during the ninth inning of Game 3 of baseball's National League championship series, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Photo: Patrick Semansky, Associated Press

St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Jason Motte (30) forces out San...

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San Francisco Giants' Pablo Sandoval (48) celebrates a run as he walks into the dugout during the third inning of Game 3 of baseball's National League championship series against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Photo: Jeff Roberson, Associated Press

San Francisco Giants' Pablo Sandoval (48) celebrates a run as he...

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St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Pete Kozma (38) throws to first for a double play, taking San Francisco Giants' Marco Scutaro (19) out at second and Pablo Sandoval (48) out at first during the fourth inning of Game 3 of baseball's National League championship series Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Photo: David J. Phillip, Associated Press

St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Pete Kozma (38) throws to first for a...

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St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (4) reaches over to catch a fly ball hit by by San Francisco Giants' Aubrey Huff (17) during the eighth inning of Game 3 of baseball's National League championship series, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Jason Motte #30 and catcher Yadier Molina #4 of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrate the Cardinals 3-1 victory against the San Francisco Giants in Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 17, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Photo: Elsa, Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Jason Motte #30 and catcher Yadier...

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ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Jason Motte #30 and catcher Yadier Molina #4 of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrate the Cardinals 3-1 victory against the San Francisco Giants in Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 17, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 17: Jason Motte #30 and catcher Yadier...

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New Chronicle sports columnist Ann Killion in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, September 14, 2012.

It's Lincecum's moment. Another compelling chapter in his unique story. In this episode, the main man in 2010 who lost his starting job and morphed into lockdown reliever is asked to start a critical game and deliver his team to victory. Absolutely must-see TV.

Bruce Bochy finally announced Lincecum as his Game 4 starter just moments after the Giants dropped Game 3 in frustrating fashion, leaving 11 stranded in the 3-1, rain-delayed loss.

"He's the guy we want out there," Bochy said. "We've got to bounce back. It's great to have a guy like Timmy all set to go."

Lincecum will be asked to stop the opposition, switch the momentum. It's what he has done in his three electric postseason appearances, coming out of the bullpen to lift his team, earning the win in Game 4 in Cincinnati.

"What he's been able to do for us out of the 'pen has been so uplifting and motivating," Sergio Romo said. "It gets you excited when he's on the mound. We'll have the same confidence in him tomorrow."

The Giants feel confident in Lincecum. More important, Lincecum seems to have rediscovered belief in himself.

"Someone mentioned that he's pitching with a lot of confidence," Posey said. "I think that's half the battle. Hopefully, it can carry over."

Who's the catcher?

When asked if he would catch Lincecum, as he has in relief this postseason, Posey said, "That's what I expect, but I don't know."

No one would be surprised to see Posey at first base and Hector Sanchez behind the plate. It wouldn't be simply for Lincecum's comfort, but also to get some extra pop in the Giants' lineup, which struggled so on Wednesday, wasting a strong outing by Matt Cain.

The Giants are the opposite of the team they were in 2010 when the starting rotation was locked in for all three series, with Lincecum leading the way. Now the Giants are looking at question marks everywhere. Bochy also announced that Barry Zito will pitch Game 5 and that he'll skip Madison Bumgarner, though Bumgarner could come out of the bullpen in long relief if needed. Then Ryan Vogelsong and Cain, in Games 6 and 7, if the series goes that far.

Bochy believes Lincecum looks more comfortable right now in his delivery. And Posey thinks Lincecum's stuff is better than it was during the regular season.

"There's a little bit more life on his fastball," he said. "He's locating it well. And the off-speed stuff is doing what it needs to do."

Lincecum was the first player out of the clubhouse Wednesday night, leaving without speaking to reporters. After his two scoreless innings in Game 1, he expressed skepticism at the theory that coming out of the bullpen had fundamentally changed either his mind-set or his mechanics.

"I just try to go in there and get outs when I'm asked to," he said. "That's pretty much my mind-set. I just want to help the team win."

Quick response

Still, it's evident that Lincecum has adjusted to the high-pressure, quick-response relief job. In 8 1/3 innings of relief, he has given up one earned run and one walk, and struck out nine.

He has exuded assurance, with none of the bad body language he exhibited so often in the regular season. Lincecum openly explored his failings in postgame media sessions all season and seriously doubted himself. His lights-out relief performances have returned some of that old October swagger.

Making a statement

Lincecum has proved a lot of things in these two weeks, both to himself and to the Giants. No one could be sure how he'd respond to being taken out of the starting rotation, to being used out of the bullpen, to being uncertain of his role. Two years ago, he delivered a World Series to San Francisco. But at various times in his career, he has been accused of a lack of focus or immaturity.

This October, he has accepted his role without complaint.

"He wants to do well, he's ready and willing to compete and contribute," Romo said. "He's not a selfish ballplayer. He's a very good teammate. This year didn't go the way he wanted, but he kept battling. He competed every fifth day. You can't ask for much more.

"Now he has pep to his step. He knows that he's good. He's unreal."

That's what the Giants need in Game 4. The unreal guy. The October Lincecum.